Hamline Public Safety (HPS) is encouraging students to practice increased caution following a recent cluster of vehicle break-ins, especially in Lot B. While a quick succession of safety alerts over the last month raised community concern, the office of public safety stresses that the overall crime rate remains lower than many other metro-area campuses.
Illiana Cantú Delgado, Director of Public Safety at Hamline, shared her department’s perspective and strategies via email. She confirmed that the department has increased patrols in and around Lot B and is partnering with the St. Paul Police Department for extra visibility during peak hours. Her message to the community is clear: vehicle theft is largely a crime of opportunity, and prevention is a shared responsibility.
“My approach to safety is holistic — not just ‘policing,’ but being proactive, accessible and focusing on education, communication and environmental awareness. Security is also a shared responsibility — we keep our campus safest when we look out for one another,” Delgado wrote.
Lot B, one of the larger lots on campus, experiences a high amount of daily vehicle and foot traffic from both Hamline students and the general public. Delgado noted that this constant activity can amplify the perception of activity even when the actual numbers remain steady.
Delgado also explained that while a few incidents happening close together raised awareness and concern, the overall number of incidents is not significantly up. There is no indication that a specific group is targeting the lot. The common thread between the incidents is typical of these types of opportunity based crimes: items visible in cars, center consoles left open and unlocked doors.
The recent activity has prompted students to be more mindful of their parking habits and what they would consider leaving in their vehicles.
“It doesn’t really worry me, but it’s always in the back of my head,” sophomore Noel Sieg said.
Sieg said he makes sure his truck is locked and that he tucks his bag under the seat if he leaves it. Senior Dylan Knudsvig shared a similar sentiment.
“I always lock my car,” Knudsvig said. “I just try to remember that I’m in the city.”
For some quick and practical tips to prevent theft, Delgado had these to offer:
Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Keep valuables out of sight or remove them from the vehicle entirely.
Ensure all doors are locked and all windows are fully closed
Delgado also emphasized the importance of community vigilance.
“If you see something that feels off, say something and let us know,” Delgado said.
Students are urged to contact Public Safety right away if they see someone checking door handles or acting suspiciously, as the department responds immediately.
If a student notices something suspicious or that their vehicle has been broken into, the primary advice shared by Delgado is not to confront anyone or put yourself at risk. Students should step away, contact Public Safety, and the department will respond right away, walking them through the next steps. Public Safety can assist with filing a report, checking camera footage and connecting the student with St. Paul Police if needed.
Students and the public can also review campus crime data on the HPS webpage, which includes the federally mandated Daily Crime Log as well as the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.
